WEAPONS OF CHOICE

Virginia repeals 1-gun-a-month law

Governor signs legislation to end nearly 20-year ban

Published: 02/29/2012 at 9:55 AM

(ASSOCIATED PRESS) RICHMOND — Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell on Tuesday signed a measure to repeal the state’s nearly 20-year-old ban on purchasing more than one handgun per month, delivering a major victory to gun rights advocates in the state.

Mr. McDonnell, a Republican who as a Virginia Beach delegate supported the law, has said the requirement it is no longer necessary, given the changes in technology and new requirements for background checks. Proponents of the measure also argue that the numerous exemptions in the law make it unnecessary.

Opponents say that the repeal will again make Virginia the “gun-running capital of the East Coast,” which is why it was originally enacted.